Buta 29th – The illegal trade in wildlife, particularly baby chimpanzees, is now one of the most serious threats to biodiversity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the province of Bas-Uélé, a border region rich in wildlife, this form of crime continues to grow, fueled by a range of aggravating factors: porous borders with the Central African Republic, lack of awareness of conservation laws, persistent corruption, and structural weaknesses in enforcement mechanisms. Despite clear legal texts and international commitments, impunity remains the norm, turning this province into a real corridor for the trafficking of protected animals.
In response to this ecological emergency, the Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), in partnership with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) and with the support of the British government’s Darwin Initiative, organized a strategic workshop for more than 35 field actors from local authorities, state agents, and traditional leaders.
The aim was to strengthen their skills in identifying protected species, enforcing the law, raising community awareness, and fostering inter-agency collaboration in the fight against cruelty to wildlife and the identification of protected species, which are often victims of international trade. The workshop particularly emphasized the protection of primates, including chimpanzees, which are frequently captured or killed for consumption or trafficking. Sanctuaries that host baby primates rescued from poaching play a vital role in their rehabilitation. However, the effectiveness of these facilities depends largely on the skills and coordination of law enforcement authorities.
The discussions highlighted major challenges: poor knowledge of conservation laws, unregulated access to forest resources, and dietary habits that disregard the protected status of many species. Moreover, the porous borders—especially in newly established provinces like Bas-Uélé—allow illegal movements of people and natural resources, worsening the issue of cross-border wildlife trafficking.
At the end of the workshop, several significant achievements were noted: agents are now able to correctly identify protected species using the PASA Guide. Their skills in investigation, evidence management, and interception have been significantly improved. Better coordination between state services — ICCN, customs, judiciary, and public security — has been initiated. A community alert network has been set up to monitor local-level trafficking. Finally, the agents have gained a deeper understanding of national and international laws, notably CITES and DRC Law No. 14/003.
The organizers expressed satisfaction with the participants’ commitment. The active participation and the recommendation from provincial authorities to expand the initiative reflect both the urgency and relevance of these field actions. As wildlife trafficking continues to fuel international criminal networks and endanger ecological balance, this workshop marks a necessary step: strengthening vigilance, knowledge, and cooperation on the ground. Protecting wildlife, especially primates, is not just an environmental issue — it is also a moral and legal imperative.
Par kilalopress
